Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his groundbreaking efforts to integrate the Igbo people into Nigeria’s development agenda, describing him as the first leader to genuinely address their needs since the Civil War.
Speaking at an empowerment programme in Ndoki, Ukwa East, Abia State, on Saturday, Kalu praised the president’s leadership, particularly the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), a pivotal initiative aimed at reconstructing the war-torn region.
“President Tinubu has remembered Ndigbo after 54 years of unfulfilled promises,” Kalu declared. “He is the only leader who has taken concrete steps towards reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation for the Igbo.”
SEDC: A New Dawn for the South East
The SEDC, signed into law by President Tinubu, was highlighted as a significant move towards addressing the South East’s longstanding infrastructure deficit. The region, deeply scarred by the Civil War that ended in 1970, has often decried neglect in federal development plans.
Kalu emphasized that the commission would tackle critical infrastructure needs while fostering equitable development. “He [Tinubu] came with the spirit of equity and fairness. This is the kind of leadership Ndigbo has been yearning for,” Kalu noted.
Observers view the SEDC as a landmark achievement, setting the stage for post-war reconstruction that had been promised but never materialized. The commission is expected to oversee projects in road construction, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, addressing decades of underdevelopment.
Mass Defections Signal Political Shift
The event in Ndoki also witnessed a remarkable political realignment, with over 3,000 members of various political parties defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The symbolic presentation of the APC broom by the new members underscored their shift in loyalty.
Kalu attributed this influx to Tinubu’s inclusive governance approach. “These defections are a testament to the people’s recognition of President Tinubu’s commitment to development,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker, who has been vocal about consolidating grassroots support, reassured the defectors of their significance to the party’s vision. “For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people,” he said to the cheering crowd.
Key Political Players Join APC
Among the new defectors was Hon. Chris Nkwonta, the member representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency. Nkwonta, who chairs the House Committee on South East Development Commission, recently left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
Addressing the crowd, Kalu highlighted the growing collapse of opposition parties in the region. “When this caliber of people left PDP and other parties to join the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here,” he declared confidently.
Kalu also announced plans to empower the defectors, stating, “We will empower you to empower others. Together, we will rebuild and develop our region under APC’s leadership.”
Historical Context: A Legacy of Neglect
The Civil War, fought between 1967 and 1970, left the South East in ruins, with countless promises of reconstruction and reintegration remaining unfulfilled. Successive administrations have faced criticism for sidelining the region in federal projects and appointments.
Tinubu’s administration has signaled a departure from this legacy, with the SEDC emerging as a key part of his “Renewed Hope” agenda. Political analysts suggest that this move could redefine the South East’s relationship with the central government.
While previous governments, including those led by Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, made overtures to the region, critics argue that these efforts lacked the tangible impact of Tinubu’s recent initiatives.
A Strategic Move for APC in the South East
The APC, historically struggling to gain traction in the predominantly PDP-dominated South East, views this development as a significant breakthrough. Tinubu’s efforts appear to resonate with the people, as evidenced by the growing number of defectors.
Kalu, reflecting on the party’s increasing popularity, said, “As the leader of our party, Tinubu has asked us to galvanize the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Critics question whether the SEDC will live up to its promises or become another bureaucratic entity plagued by inefficiency. Furthermore, the region’s political landscape is fraught with skepticism, with some viewing the recent defections as opportunistic rather than ideological.
Others argue that reconciliation with the Igbo cannot be achieved solely through infrastructure development. Issues such as political representation, resource allocation, and addressing the lingering scars of the Civil War require a comprehensive approach.